Ajmal set for Australia, Afridi rules out featuring in Big Bash League

Pakistani cricketer Saeed Ajmal is all set to take part in the Australian Big Bash League after the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) granted permission to three players to participate in the event.

While the PCB gave Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal the green signal on Cricket Australia's insistence, the former captain ended his contract with the Sydney Thunder while Umar Akmal's participation in the Australia event is also doubtful. Afridi has decided to appear in the national Twenty20 event, which is scheduled from December 2 to 10, reports The Express Tribune.

Ajmal, who has signed with the Adelaide Strikers, is likely to leave on December 5.

"I will play a few matches for my domestic team before leaving. We were okay with the PCB's decision earlier but since we have now been granted permission, there's no harm in featuring in the contest as it will be a good experience before the tour of India," Ajmal was quoted, as saying.

Afridi, though, has ended his contract saying he wanted to focus on the domestic tournament as he looks to regain his form before the squads for the series against India are named.

Umar, who was contracted with the Sydney Sixers, was also doubtful. According to his brother Kamran Akmal, the middle-order batsman was contracted to play at least three matches for his side.

"Initially, Umar signed a contract for five matches but after the sudden change in the domestic schedule, he had to cut it down to three. But since he's unlikely to play three matches due to the board's permission, he's unsure about his plans," said Kamran. (ANI)